This two-CD set, like others in the Treasury Show series, compiles several programs aired during 1945. With a mix of hits from the vast
Ellington
songbook,
pop
songs, a few obscurities, and even a few war bond promos read somewhat nervously by
Duke Ellington
himself, these live sets might not exactly be programmed like a typical band set during that timeframe, but the music is enjoyable.
Johnny Hodges
, the star alto saxophonist, shines in
"Mood to be Wooed,"
while the brisk
"Blues on the Double"
showcases new trumpeter
Cat Anderson
scorching the stratosphere complemented by
Al Sears
' lively tenor sax.
Harry Carney
is featured on bass clarinet in the little known
"Walking With My Honey,"
while
Ray Nance
jives his way through the vocals to
"Riff Staccato."
There are a number of vocal features for the likes of
Joya Sherrill
,
Kay Davis
Marie Ellington
, and
Al Hibbler
. But it is hard to top the swinging finale of the second disc, a rousing
"C Jam Blues."
These well-recorded transcriptions provided excellent source material for this recommended compilation. ~ Ken Dryden